Biden-Harris administration allocates $289 million for upgrades at 129 US airports

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Biden-Harris administration allocates $289 million for upgrades at 129 US airports

Policy

Sumit Singh Editorial Lead | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Jul 12, 2024

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant investment in the nation's airport infrastructure, allocating $289 million in funding to upgrade 129 airports across the United States. This initiative is part of the broader Investing in America agenda, aiming to enhance airport efficiency, capacity, and sustainability amid a surge in travel demand.

The FAA shared the following: "Americans are flying in record numbers, and the Biden-Harris Administration continues to invest in our airports to make travel safer and more convenient for the people who pass through these airports each day," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. "This latest round of funding will support key improvements to terminals, runways, and baggage systems and build on the work this Administration is doing to modernize our aviation infrastructure."

Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), one of the busiest airports globally, is set to benefit directly from this funding, receiving $30.1 million to help reconstruct one of its runways. This project is essential for maintaining the airport's capacity to handle high traffic volumes and ensuring the safety and efficiency of flight operations. Upgrading the runway is also expected to reduce maintenance costs and extend its operational life.

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This seventh round of Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG), funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will benefit a wide range of airports, each receiving targeted improvements based on their specific needs:

- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): $66.7M for site demolition and preparation for a new 2,100-foot taxiway.

- Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL): $30.1M for runway reconstruction.

- Indianapolis International Airport (IND): $26.6M for reconstruction of Runway 5/23.

- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): $22.2M for rehabilitation of a taxiway and engineered safety enhancements.

- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): $17.2M for rehabilitation of existing Runway 14/32 shoulders and reconstruction of Taxiways F and H.

- Bradley International Airport (BDL): $8.8M for rehabilitation of Runway 6/24.

- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): $8.2M for third phase construction of a new terminal building.

- Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport (GCC): $2.2M for construction of a new taxi lane off Taxiway A.

- Knox County Regional Airport (RKD): $1.3M for reconstruction of taxi lanes and southwest general aviation apron.

A complete list of all grants being awarded is available on the FAA website.

The airport upgrades are expected to have substantive economic and environmental benefits. The construction projects are slated to create jobs and stimulate local economies while enhancing operational efficiency and reducing delays.

"We’re seeing where our investments are making a real difference for communities across the nation," said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E. "I encourage airports to take advantage of this opportunity to build modern facilities that are accessible, safe, resilient to climate change impacts, and achieve environmental sustainability."

The $289 million investment in US airport infrastructure marks a significant step towards enhancing capacity, safety, and efficiency at some of the nation's most strained airports. Improvements at Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) highlight the administration's commitment to supporting major aviation hubs as they meet future demands.

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